Clarity Questions by Abbie Clark

Why does Polonius and Laertes forbid Ophelia from having anything to do with Hamlet?

What did the Ghost ask Hamlet to do?

What did Horatio and Marcellus swear to do?

Who killed the former King of Denmark?

Personal Response Annie Cruz

My reaction to Act 1 in Hamlet is disquist. The fact that a person could possibly be so power greedy that they would take their own siblings life is horrific. Althought Hamlet's reaction to being enlightened of the cause of his father's death wasn't what I expected, I do beleive that he will overall get his vengence on King Claudius. I find that Hamlet is a very depressed character. Hes very emotional and sensitive for the usual masculine role. Also, I find it interesting that Shakespear involves and refers to ghosts in this story. When Hamlet's father's spirit communicates with him i found it to be a very important part of the story because this sets Hamlet's actions for the rest of the play.

Hamlet Questions Act 1

1. Why doesn't Hamlet talk to his mother about why she is marrying his uncle?

2. So what kept Hamlet from coming to his fathers wedding?

3. Why do Horatio and Marcellus not want Hamlet to go and talk to the ghost in private?

4. What gives Claudius the nerve to speak about his dead brother in front of all those people and right in Hamlets face?

-Ashton T.Jones

Personal response, Rachel Myers

I like how the story is getting much better to read, it is actually interesting because Hamlet has found out this new information that it was his own Uncle that killed his father. I think this upsets and makes him even more mad that his mother and uncle are married now. Everyone thought it was a snake that killed his father but it was poison given to him by his uncle. I predict that eventually it will come out that Hamlet knows this since his two friends were there and heard it, but I don't think people are going to believe him. The hardest part about reading this is you have to pay really close attention to the language used because at times it can be difficult to understand.

Personal Reaction, Tori

My personal opinion of Hamlet's situation is that everything that has happened to him is ridiculous and sad.  It is wrong of his mother to marry his uncle after such a short period of time that has passed after his father's death.  It is also very shocking that Hamlet discovers that the supposed "ghost" is his father, and it is ironic that he finds out that his father was murdered by his uncle, the new king of Denmark.  It is also wrong of the kingdom to move on from King Hamlet's death as quickly as they did, because he was a great king and deserved more.  As of right now Hamlet is no longer depressed, but once he has had his revenge, I feel that his depression may resurface, as for him to have any emotion right now is better than him feeling nothing at all, and that is why his need for revenge is so strong.